Rebekah Brooks bailed at Southwark Crown Court

Rebekah Brooks, a trusted confidante of Rupert Murdoch and friend to a succession of prime ministers, made a preliminary appearance in a London court today.

She is accused of hindering a police investigation into phone hacking, and corruption, by staff at his British tabloids.

Brooks and her racehorse trainer husband Charlie stepped from a taxi through a bank of press.

Brooks personal assistant Cheryl Carter is also facing charges.

Apart from Ms Brookes and her assistant three other people face charges of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Brooks spoke only to confirm her address and date of birth before being granted bail. The cases of all the defendants were sent to Southwark Crown Court where the next hearing will be on June 22.

Today also sees the Leveson Inquiry trials continue, focusing on the relationship between press and politicians. George Osborne is currently giving evidence and David Cameron will appear tomorrow.